Calling Quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“The Church is her true self only when she exists for humanity. As a fresh start, she should give away all her endowments to the poor and needy. The clergy should live solely on the freewill offerings of their congregations, or possibly engage in some secular calling.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1937
True service means the church exists for humanity, sharing resources and living modestly from congregational support.
In simple terms: Church should serve humanity, give away wealth, live on offerings.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and generosity.
Themes
service
humility
wealth
community
faith
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- parish budgeting
- charitable programs
- volunteer ministries
- faith‑based NGOs
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
social justice
stewardship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches balance generosity with operational needs?
- What models of sustainable giving exist?
A Different Perspective
May conflict with institutional financial stability and leadership expectations.
![“The Christian church [in its true identity] does not persecute; any more than a lily scratches the thorns, or a lamb pursues and tears the wolves, or a turtledove hunts the hawks and eagles, or a chaste and modest virgin fights and scratches like whores and harlots.” quote by Roger Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/edd/roger-williams-11064_chaste_the-christian-church-in-its-true-identit_1847172.jpg)
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
